Patan (Lalitpur): Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has emphasized the need for effective and responsible implementation of federalism in Nepal. Speaking at a programme organized by the NC Federal Affairs Coordination Department at the party headquarters in Sanepa on Monday, Deuba underscored that federalism must be made accountable to the people.

"Authority should be devolved to local levels and provinces while ensuring responsibility at all levels of government," Deuba said. "We must remain serious about protecting the unity of the country, keeping in mind its economic realities."

The NC President also commended the various departments of the party for their active roles in energizing both party leaders and cadres. "All departments have contributed to making the party dynamic and vibrant. This is a positive development," he noted.

Deuba acknowledged the complexities of forming a majority government under Nepal’s current constitutional provisions. "Coalitions have become a necessity for all parties," he said, adding, "Nevertheless, we must work hard to secure a majority vote."

NC Vice-President Dhanaraj Gurung argued that federalism cannot be strengthened merely through taxation. "We need to connect people with production and prioritize capital formation," he said. Gurung also called for restructuring federalism by reducing the number of lawmakers and boosting productivity to strengthen the state.

NC Joint General-Secretary Mahalaxmi Upadhyay 'Dina' stressed the need for a serious review of federalism’s implementation, focusing on areas that need improvement while acknowledging its successes.

Senior leaders, including Bhishma Raj Angdambe, Gopal Man Shrestha, Bimalendra Nidhi, Arjun Narasingh KC, and Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, also shared their perspectives during the programme, underlining the party’s commitment to strengthening Nepal’s federal democratic system.